Third violent assault sparks fears of serial sex attacker
The latest attack took place between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday at Bonavalley Bridge in the town, close by where two other women were attacked on August 12 and September 23.
The bridge remained closed to traffic throughout yesterday as Garda forensic experts examined the scene.
Just last week, RTÉ’s Crimeline programme carried a reconstruction of the first attack and broadcast a photofit of the man they were looking for.
As a result, Tuesday night’s attack has sent a chill down the spine of locals.
Irish Crimestoppers Trust, set up in 1988 by Dublin Chamber of Commerce and An Garda Síochána to combat serious crime, yesterday announced a €10,000 reward for information that might lead gardaí to the perpetrator.
Posters in English, Polish, Latvian, and Lithuanian — all of them carrying the suspect’s description — will be distributed in Athlone today.
The man is described by gardaí as being tall with short, black hair and aged between 25 and 30.
“We believe he is sallow-skinned and he may have cuts or scratches on his face, arms or hands, given the terrain where the attacks took place,” said Superintendent Aidan Glackin of Athlone Garda Station.
Gardaí are not commenting on whether or not the same man carried out all three attacks but they are believed to be pursuing this line of inquiry.
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have received an unusual approach from a man in the Athlone area over the past six weeks,” said Supt Glackin.
It is understood the man approached all three female victims from behind, and dragged them into heavy undergrowth where he attacked them.
Gardaí would not confirm the extent of the assault on Wednesday night’s victim.
In the previous cases the women put up fights before the man fled the scene. This week’s victim was hospitalised.
“All three victims suffered mental and physical trauma,” added Supt Glackin.
“The gardaí are making an appeal to anyone who may recognise the man from the description, or who may know of a man with unexplained cuts or scratches on his face, arms or hands, to call Crimestoppers free on 1800 250025,” said a spokesperson for Crimestoppers.
Bonavalley Bridge is located just a few hundred yards from the bustling Athlone IT campus, where next week has been designated Student Safety Week.
The college and the students’ union yesterday issued a joint statement saying the safety of students and staff is of paramount importance.
It added: “An information campaign highlighting issues of personal and social safety is under way in the institute at present.
“As part of this campaign, posters, leaflets and information notices have been widely distributed, advising students not to walk home on their own. In addition, personal alarms are available for sale from the students’ union.
“Posters of the Garda identikit of the attacker have been posted throughout the institute. Institute management and the students’ union will continue to support the Gardaí in their investigation and encourage everyone in Athlone to be vigilant.
“Next week, 8-12 October, is Student Safety Week at AIT. The week will feature presentations about various aspects of safety and will include talks from the Gardaí,” said the statement.
Anyone with information can contact Athlone Garda Station on 0906-498550.
Local Fine Gael senator Nicky McFadden appealed to members of the public to “assist gardaí in any way possible to bring this person, or persons, to justice”.
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